Colorado offers 2 on-campus Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner programs through distinguished public universities.
Program costs range from approximately $7,920 for CSU Pueblo’s post-master’s certificate to $60,075 for CU Anschutz’s BSN-to-DNP program.
Completion timelines spanning 1 to 4 years depending on degree level, entry point, and enrollment intensity.
Both programs maintain CCNE accreditation and prepare graduates for ANCC or AACN national certification.
High Level Comparison Table
| School | Est. Cost Range | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado State University Pueblo | MSN: $18K–$20K DNP: $28K Cert: $9K Dual MSN/DNP: $25K–$35K | – budget-friendly ACNP – ACNP/FNP dual options with up to 2,100 clinical hrs |
| University of Colorado Anschutz | DNP: $60.1K MSN: $39.2K Cert: $12.8K | – hybrid AG-ACNP programs – coordinated Denver-area clinical placements – 100% board pass rates |
Full List of Schools for CO ACNP Nurses
Online national programs are listed because of open enrollment options.
CSU Pueblo ACNP Programs
Pueblo | $330 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Colorado State University Pueblo offers five Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner pathways ranging from post-master's certificates to terminal DNP degrees, with costs between $7,920 and $34,320 depending on program level. All programs prepare graduates for AGACNP certification with extensive clinical training (780-2,100 hours) in acute, chronic, and emergent care settings. The dual ACNP/FNP concentrations uniquely prepare nurses for both acute care and primary care practice across the lifespan with dual certification eligibility...read more.
CU Anschutz ACNP Programs
Anschutz | $801 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / MSN / DNP
The CU Anschutz College of Nursing offers three Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner options (BS-DNP, MSN, and Post-Graduate Certificate), all delivered in a flexible hybrid format with minimal campus visits and coordinated Denver-metro clinical placements. The tracks range from 1 to 4 years in length and from about $12,816 to $60,075 in estimated resident tuition, with structured didactic coursework and 360–1,170+ clinical hours that prepare graduates for AG-ACNP board certification and advanced practice roles. Admission typically requires a BSN or MSN from a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited program, a minimum 3.0 nursing GPA, an unencumbered RN license, prior research and statistics coursework, and all tracks are supported by regional (HLC) and programmatic (CCNE) accreditation...read more.
Purdue Global ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $420 cpc | Certificate
Purdue Global's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Postgraduate Certificate offers Colorado nurses with master's degrees an online pathway to advanced acute care practice. The 57-credit program costs $23,940 and takes approximately 1.5 years to complete, featuring innovative VR-based acute care skills training and clinical rotations in real-world settings. Colorado-based students must maintain ACLS certification and demonstrate one year of acute care RN experience to qualify for admission.
South College ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $615 cpc | Certificate / MSN
For Colorado nurses, South College’s AGACNP programs provide an online format paired with required clinical experiences. Students may enroll in a BSN-MSN degree or a post-graduate certificate. Both tracks prepare graduates for advanced decision-making in acute and critical care environments.
Walden University ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $775 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
In Colorado, Walden University’s AGACNP DNP, MSN, and post-master’s certificate tracks allow nurses to study online while completing supervised practicum experiences in Colorado-based acute and critical care settings. Colorado nurses benefit from the Practicum Pledge® field placement support, virtual skills lab, and Walden Grand Rounds to help secure clinical sites and build confidence with complex adult-gerontology cases. These CCNE-accredited programs prepare graduates to pursue national AGACNP certification and contribute to high-acuity teams across Colorado’s hospitals and health systems.
West Coast University ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $700 cpc | Certificate / MSN
West Coast University opens three AGACNP pathways to Colorado nurses—MSN, RN to MSN, and a Post-Master’s Certificate—each available in accelerated and working professional formats. Students learn through online 8-week terms, attend two on-site intensive weekends for hands-on skills, and work with dedicated clinical placement coordinators who guide preceptor and site selection in acute care settings. The CCNE-accredited curriculum integrates telehealth, complex adult-gerontology care, and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates to sit for AGACNP certification and move into advanced roles in Colorado’s hospitals and specialty units.
CSU Pueblo vs CU Anschutz for ACNP
TLDR: Quick Decision Guide
Choose Colorado State University Pueblo if you want the most affordable option ($17,315-$19,485 for MSN, $7,920-$8,580 for certificate), unique ACNP/FNP dual concentration pathways preparing you for both acute and primary care practice, 3-year completion timeline for MSN, and accessible tuition at $330/credit for Colorado and WRGP residents.
Choose University of Colorado Anschutz if you want exceptional outcomes (100% board certification pass rate), coordinated clinical placements for Denver metro students, flexible hybrid online format with minimal campus visits, fastest MSN completion (2.5 years), integrated BSN-to-DNP pathway with single application, and education at Colorado’s premier academic medical center.
Program Duration
Fastest Completion
- CU Anschutz Certificate: 1 year (3 semesters)
- CSU Pueblo Certificate: 1.5-2 years
Master’s Programs
- CU Anschutz MSN: 2.5 years (8 semesters) – fastest MSN
- CSU Pueblo MSN: 3 years full-time
- CSU Pueblo MSN-ACNP/FNP Dual: 3 years
Doctoral Programs
- CU Anschutz BSN-to-DNP: 4 years (13 semesters)
- CSU Pueblo DNP: 4 years
- CSU Pueblo DNP-ACNP/FNP Dual: 4 years
Key Consideration: CU Anschutz offers the fastest certificate (1 year) and MSN (2.5 years) options.
CSU Pueblo provides unique dual concentration pathways in the same 3-4 year timeframe as single concentrations.
Clinical Hours Required
Clinical Hour Requirements by Program Level
| School | MSN Clinical Hours | Certificate Hours | DNP Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CU Anschutz | 720 hours | 360 hours | 1,170+ hours | Denver metro placements coordinated |
| CSU Pueblo | 780 hours + 120 lab | 585-780 hours | 780 ACNP + 540 project + 120 lab = 1,440 hours | Lab hours separate from practicum |
Dual Concentration Clinical Requirements
- MSN Dual: 780 AGACNP + 780 FNP + 120 lab = 1,680 total hours
- DNP Dual: 780 AGACNP + 780 FNP + 540 DNP project + 120 lab = 2,220 total hours
Analysis:
- Highest Total Hours: CSU Pueblo DNP-ACNP/FNP Dual at 2,220 hours provides maximum clinical exposure across two population focuses
- Standard MSN Range: Both schools require 720-780 hours for single ACNP concentration
- Certificate Minimum: CU Anschutz certificate at 360 hours is most condensed option
- Lab Component: CSU Pueblo includes 120 dedicated acute care skills lab hours across all programs
Delivery Format
Flexible Hybrid Online
- Flexible hybrid online format
- Minimal in-person visits to Aurora, CO campus
- Available to students statewide and beyond
- Clinical placement support: Coordinated for Denver metro area students
- Students outside Denver metro must secure own placements
Traditional Format
- Format not explicitly specified (likely traditional or hybrid)
- On-campus and off-campus attendance options
- Active Colorado or Compact State RN license required by end of first semester
- Clinical placements student-arranged
Key Consideration: CU Anschutz provides maximum flexibility with hybrid online delivery and placement coordination for local students. CSU Pueblo focuses on affordability and dual concentration options.
ICU/Acute Care Experience Requirements
Experience Requirements
- MSN: One year full-time or two years part-time RN clinical experience required
- Certificate: 2,000 hours (1 year full-time) RN experience preferred
- Not specified as acute care specific
- No specific RN experience requirements listed for BSN-to-DNP or MSN
- Certificate: Relevant RN experience, preferably in acute care setting
- More flexible entry for new graduates
Key Insight: CU Anschutz has more flexible entry requirements, potentially accepting recent BSN graduates. CSU Pueblo requires 1-2 years of RN experience before starting.
Entry Points & Degree Levels
CSU Pueblo – Most Pathway Options
Single Concentration ACNP:
- MSN – ACNP (53-59 credits, 3 years)
- DNP – ACNP (83 credits, 4 years) – concurrent MS degree awarded
- Post-Master’s Certificate – ACNP (24-26 credits, 1.5-2 years)
Unique Dual Concentration ACNP/FNP: 4. MSN – ACNP/FNP Dual (74-80 credits, 3 years) 5. DNP – ACNP/FNP Dual (104 credits, 4 years)
Key Advantage: Only Colorado program offering dual ACNP/FNP concentration, preparing graduates for both acute care and primary care across the lifespan. Eligible for both AGACNP and FNP certification exams.
CU Anschutz – Streamlined Pathways
- MSN – AG-ACNP (47 total credits: 34 didactic + 13 clinical, 2.5 years/8 semesters)
- BSN-to-DNP – AG-ACNP (74 credits: 51 didactic + 23 clinical, 4 years/13 semesters)
- Single application for both MS and DNP degrees
- MS degree awarded as part of DNP progression
- Post-Graduate Certificate – AG-ACNP (16 credits: 8 didactic + 8 clinical, 1 year/3 semesters)
Key Advantage: Integrated BSN-to-DNP pathway eliminates need for separate MSN and DNP applications.
Certificate Program Considerations
Both schools offer post-graduate certificates for:
- MSN-prepared nurses seeking AGACNP specialty
- APRNs adding acute care population focus
- Individualized plans based on transcript evaluation
Best for Certificates:
- Cost: CSU Pueblo at $7,920-$8,580
- Speed: CU Anschutz at 1 year (3 semesters)
Program Structure & Course Load
Credit Requirements
| Program | MSN Credits | Certificate Credits | DNP Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSU Pueblo | 53-59 credits (ACNP) 74-80 credits (Dual) | 24-26 credits | 83 credits (ACNP) 104 credits (Dual) |
| CU Anschutz | 47 credits | 16 credits | 74 credits |
Course Term Formats
- Traditional academic year (Fall/Spring/Summer)
- Sequential 3-4 year progression
- All courses require B or better to pass
- Semester-based (8 semesters for MSN)
- Flexible hybrid online delivery
- Streamlined 2.5-year MSN completion
Course Sequencing
Sequential Clinical Practicums (Both Programs):
- Year 1: Foundation courses + Skills Labs I & II + Adult/Gero Acute Care I
- Year 2: Adult/Gero Acute Care II-IV with concurrent Practicums II-IV
- Year 3: Adult/Gero Acute Care V with Practicum V + variable credit practicum
- DNP adds: Four DNP Project Practicum courses (Year 3-4) plus final comprehensive practicum
- Progressive AGACNP Practicum I-IV across curriculum
- Concurrent didactic courses (AGACNP I, Diagnostics & Therapeutics, AGACNP II)
- Advanced Practice Synthesis capstone
- DNP adds: DNP Project Preparation, DNP Project I-III across final years
Unique Dual Concentration Structure
- Year 1: Shared foundation courses + both ACNP and FNP introduction
- Years 2-3: Sequential ACNP and FNP practicum courses with concurrent didactics
- 1,680 total hours (MSN) or 2,220 hours (DNP)
Minimum GPA Requirements
Standard Requirements
| School | Undergraduate GPA | Graduate GPA | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSU Pueblo | 3.0 minimum | 3.0 cumulative maintained | All courses require B or better |
| CU Anschutz | 3.0 minimum nursing GPA | N/A | Or GRE/graduate coursework for certificate |
Prerequisite Course Requirements
- Statistics (C or better)
- Microbiology (C or better)
- Chemistry (C or better)
- Certificate: Minimum 16 postgraduate credit hours at CSU Pueblo required
- Undergraduate nursing research course (C or higher)
- Statistics course (C or higher)
Specialty Curriculum Focus
Core AGACNP Content (Both Programs)
Both Colorado programs cover essential AGACNP competencies:
- Advanced pathophysiology
- Advanced pharmacology
- Advanced health assessment
- Diagnostic reasoning
- Acute care management across adult-gerontology lifespan
- Complex/comorbid conditions
- Critical care concepts
Program-Specific Emphases
- Advanced Practice Theory
- Healthcare Ethics, Law & Policy
- Healthcare Informatics
- Healthcare Business & Finance (DNP)
- Organizational & Systems Leadership (DNP)
- Epidemiology (DNP)
- Unique: Five-course Adult/Gerontology Acute Care sequence (I-V) with progressive complexity:
- AC I: Chronic health needs
- AC II: Decompensating chronic conditions
- AC III: Long-term chronic management
- AC IV: Urgent/emergent chronic disease issues
- AC V: High-intensity emergent care
- Dual Concentration: Integrated ACNP and FNP curriculum preparing for both acute and primary care
- Theory Foundation for Advanced Nursing
- Evidence-Based Practice: Evaluating Evidence
- Policy and Politics of Health
- Foundations of Informatics
- DNP adds:
- Research & Quality Improvement Methods
- Leadership, Financial Management & Innovation
- Epidemiology and Health
- Inferential Statistics & Quality Improvement
- DNP Project sequence (Preparation, I, II, III)
- Three-course AGACNP sequence:
- Introduction to AGACNP
- AGACNP I: Diagnosis and management of acute conditions
- AGACNP Diagnostics & Therapeutics: Technical skills and procedures
- AGACNP II: Advanced management of acute/critical conditions
- Advanced Practice Synthesis capstone
Unique Feature: CSU Pueblo is the only Colorado program offering dual ACNP/FNP concentration, significantly expanding scope of practice and employment opportunities across care settings.
Clinical Placement Support
Coordinated Placements
- Critical support: Coordinates clinical placements for Denver metro area students
- Immersive experiences in acute care settings
- Access to CU Anschutz Medical Campus clinical network
- Students outside Denver metro must secure own placements for program approval
Student-Arranged Placements
- Students responsible for securing clinical placements
- 780 hours practicum + 120 lab hours (MSN)
- Progressive clinical rotations across five AGACNP practicum courses
- Dual concentration: Separate ACNP and FNP placement requirements
Key Consideration: CU Anschutz provides significant advantage for Denver-area students with coordinated clinical placements, eliminating major stress of finding preceptors. CSU Pueblo students arrange placements independently but benefit from lower tuition costs.
Cost Comparison
MSN Programs (Ranked by Cost)
- CSU Pueblo MSN-ACNP: $17,315-$19,485 (most affordable MSN)
- CSU Pueblo MSN-ACNP/FNP Dual: $24,420-$26,400
- CU Anschutz MSN: $39,249
Post-Graduate Certificates (Ranked by Cost)
- CSU Pueblo Certificate: $7,920-$8,580 (most affordable certificate)
- CU Anschutz Certificate: $12,816
DNP Programs (Ranked by Cost)
- CSU Pueblo DNP-ACNP: $27,405 (most affordable DNP)
- CSU Pueblo DNP-ACNP/FNP Dual: $34,320
- CU Anschutz BSN-to-DNP: $60,075
Per-Credit Tuition Rates
| School | Per-Credit Rate | Eligibility | Additional Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSU Pueblo | $330 | CO residents + WRGP students | Cost of attendance: $27,126 (on-campus) to $32,236 (off-campus) annually |
| CU Anschutz | ~$812/credit (MSN: $39,249 ÷ 47 credits) | CO residents | $140 one-time matriculation fee + per-term fees |
Note: WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program) extends CSU Pueblo’s in-state rate to students from Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and U.S. Pacific Territories.
Return on Investment Analysis
Best Overall Value: CSU Pueblo offers exceptional affordability at $17,315-$19,485 for MSN-ACNP—less than half the cost of CU Anschutz MSN.
Premium for Outcomes: CU Anschutz commands higher cost ($39,249 MSN, $60,075 DNP) but delivers 100% board certification pass rate, coordinated Denver metro placements, and Colorado’s premier academic medical center education.
Dual Concentration Value: CSU Pueblo ACNP/FNP Dual MSN at $24,420-$26,400 provides two certifications for less than the cost of CU Anschutz’s single ACNP concentration.
Special Features & Unique Offerings
CSU Pueblo
Strengths:
- Most affordable in Colorado ($17,315-$19,485 MSN)
- Only dual ACNP/FNP concentration in state (MSN and DNP levels)
- Accessible WRGP tuition for 13 western states/territories
- 120 dedicated acute care skills lab hours
- Five-course progressive ACNP sequence (chronic → emergent care)
- Concurrent MS degree with DNP programs
- Smallest certificate credit requirement (24-26 credits)
Best For:
- Budget-conscious Colorado and WRGP students
- Nurses seeking dual acute care and primary care certification
- Students wanting flexibility between acute and outpatient settings
- Those comfortable arranging clinical placements
- WRGP-eligible students from western states
CU Anschutz
Strengths:
- 100% board certification pass rate
- Coordinated clinical placements for Denver metro students
- Colorado’s premier academic medical center education
- Fastest MSN (2.5 years) and certificate (1 year) completion
- Flexible hybrid online format with minimal campus visits
- Integrated BSN-to-DNP with single application
- MS degree awarded as part of DNP progression
- Comprehensive DNP curriculum with inferential statistics, epidemiology, leadership
Best For:
- Denver metro area students (guaranteed placement coordination)
- Students prioritizing pass rates and outcomes
- Those seeking fastest completion timelines
- Distance learners needing hybrid flexibility
- Doctoral aspirants wanting streamlined BSN-to-DNP pathway
- Students valuing academic medical center prestige
Making Your Decision
Choose CSU Pueblo If You:
- Want the most affordable option ($17,315-$19,485 MSN)
- Need dual ACNP/FNP certification for maximum career flexibility
- Qualify for WRGP tuition (13 western states/territories)
- Prefer longer timeline (3 years) to balance work/school
- Can arrange clinical placements independently
- Want 120 dedicated skills lab hours separate from practicum
- Value concurrent MS with DNP programs
- Want most affordable certificate ($7,920-$8,580)
Choose CU Anschutz If You:
- Want proven outcomes (100% board pass rate)
- Live in Denver metro area (coordinated placements)
- Need fastest completion (1 year certificate, 2.5 years MSN)
- Prefer flexible hybrid online delivery
- Want academic medical center education
- Need integrated BSN-to-DNP pathway (single application)
- Value placement coordination (eliminates preceptor stress)
- Want streamlined certificate (16 credits, 1 year)
- Can afford premium tuition for guaranteed outcomes
Application Deadlines & Admissions
Application Requirements Summary
- Complete nursing program application
- BSN from accredited university with 3.0+ GPA
- Active unrestricted CO or Compact State RN license
- Prerequisites: statistics, microbiology, chemistry (C or better)
- 1-2 years RN experience (MSN); 2,000 hours preferred (certificate)
- Three letters of recommendation (certificate)
- DNP: Oral comprehensive exam and DNP project completion required
- BSN from CCNE or ACEN-accredited program (MSN, DNP)
- MSN in nursing from accredited institution (certificate)
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate nursing GPA
- Unencumbered RN license
- Undergraduate nursing research and statistics courses (C or higher)
- Three professional or academic letters of reference
- Required essay
- Certificate: Relevant RN experience, preferably acute care; GRE or graduate coursework may substitute for 3.0 GPA
Admissions Competitiveness
Application deadlines not published – contact programs directly for current cycle information.
Both programs maintain competitive admissions with limited cohort sizes.
Final Recommendations
For Colorado Residents on a Budget: CSU Pueblo delivers exceptional value at $17,315-$19,485 for MSN-ACNP—less than half the cost of comparable programs while maintaining CCNE accreditation and Colorado Board of Nursing approval.
For WRGP-Eligible Students: CSU Pueblo‘s $330/credit WRGP rate extends Colorado resident pricing to 13 western states/territories, providing significant savings for students from Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and U.S. Pacific Territories.
For Maximum Career Flexibility: CSU Pueblo ACNP/FNP Dual at $24,420-$26,400 (MSN) or $34,320 (DNP) prepares you for both acute care and primary care practice with dual certification eligibility—expanding job opportunities from ICUs and EDs to outpatient clinics and urgent care.
For Denver Metro Students: CU Anschutz provides invaluable coordinated clinical placements eliminating the stress of finding preceptors, plus 100% board pass rate outcomes justifying the $39,249 MSN investment.
For Fastest Completion: CU Anschutz certificate (1 year) and MSN (2.5 years) get you certified and practicing 6-12 months faster than CSU Pueblo.
For Doctoral Aspirations: CU Anschutz BSN-to-DNP integrated pathway ($60,075) streamlines doctoral education with single application, while CSU Pueblo DNP ($27,405) offers Colorado’s most affordable doctoral option with concurrent MS degree.
For Distance Learners: CU Anschutz flexible hybrid online format with minimal campus visits accommodates students across Colorado and neighboring states (self-placement required outside Denver metro).
For Skills Lab Training: CSU Pueblo provides 120 dedicated acute care skills lab hours (Skills Lab I & II) separate from 780 clinical practicum hours—comprehensive hands-on procedure training beyond bedside clinical experience.
Both Colorado programs maintain CCNE accreditation and prepare graduates for ANCC or AACN certification. Your choice depends on budget, timeline, clinical placement support needs, dual certification interest, and whether you prioritize affordability (CSU Pueblo) or outcomes/placement coordination (CU Anschutz). Colorado’s strong healthcare market and shortage of acute care nurse practitioners create excellent job prospects for all graduates, with AGACNPs earning median salaries of $115,000-$130,000+ annually in the state.